Day 2

Hutton-le-Hole to Levisham        

 

13 miles

The 'street facing' part of The Barns is a cafe and that is where we had our breakfast before setting off along the track to the side of the Folk Museum, following the signs for Lastingham.  Our path led us through woods and fields until we joined the road just before walking down into Lastingham.

Leaving Hutton-le-Hole

On High Cross Plain approaching Lastingham

Too tired to lift his head

The Blacksmiths at Lastingham

St Mary's Church, closed until 11am

We walked out of Lastingham, pausing to admire an ancient well dedicated to St Cedd.  On leaving the village we returned to field paths before crossing a stone footbridge over Ings Beck.

St Cedd's Well

Bridge over Ings Beck

Overgrown paths

We reached Scarth Wood where there was a steep drop to the side of our track after which we returned to fields and more woodland until we came to an overgrown track known as Bull Ing Lane.

After half a mile this track took us to the road at Cropton where we were pleased to see The New Inn but dismayed to see it didn't open until 12 noon, the time being 11.30am.  The door was unlocked so I went inside where staff were getting ready for their day. A kind lady said she was happy to make us some coffee and we sat at outside tables to enjoy it.

The New Inn has its own brewery

... but it's coffee for us today

Some road walking followed after Cropton as we followed High Lane towards Cawthorne where there are the remains of a Roman Camp. We turned left near Cawthorne to follow more tarmac to High Cawthorne eventually turning right for a long walk through trees towards Newton Banks.

The Inn Way signs are getting a bit decrepit

The unwalked paths added extra time and effort

A birch tree wood near Newton banks

We decided to pause at the village of Newton-on-Rawcliffe for coffee from our flasks.  Shortly after we descended Newton Dale, soon reaching Levisham Station. 

More coffee please

Newton Dale

Memorial seat overlooking Newton Dale

Mouse motif on bench

Levisham Station

This adder must have just been run over as the blood was fresh

The sting in the tail of today's walk is that Levisham Station is about 1.5 miles from Levisham and it's a steep uphill climb all the way to the village.

Eventually we reached Levisham and our destination, The Horseshoe Inn, where we sat in the sun and enjoyed a well earned pint.

The long climb from Levisham Station

We arrive at The Horseshoe Inn

To Day 3

 

Day 3

    Levisham to Egton Bridge     

16.4 miles

We walked out of Levisham along Braygate Lane which turns into a rough track after about half a mile.  After a gate we were walking across open moor and our path led us to the folly known as Skelton Tower.  This tower has a terrific situation overlooking Newton Dale Gorge and in his 'Inn Way' book Mark Reid explains that it was built in 1850 by the Rector of Levisham.  This eccentric vicar built the folly as a place he could escape to, to clear his mind and, it is rumoured, enjoy a quiet drink.

Leaving the Horseshoe Inn

On Levisham Moor

Skelton Tower

"Let down your hair.."

The view from Skelton Tower

We followed the moor top along Newton Dale, sometimes in head high bracken, but always rewarded with amazing views, until we descended to Havern Beck.  Here we paused to drink our coffee and  as we did so a steam train passed by.

Newton Dale

Descending to Havern Beck

Pifelhead Wood

A train passing as we have coffee

We crossed the railway line and began to climb out of the valley to Needle Point and a long walk through woods at Killing Nab Scar.

Viewpoint at Killing Nab Scar

We then spent some time following forest tracks until we eventually reached a small gate next to a ruined building and the open moor ahead.

Next was a long moor crossing to Simon Howe and then The Two Howes, and the track to Goathland seemed a long walk in from the moor but it was well worth the effort when we reached the Tea Room.

We think this is a Meadow Pipit

We know this is a curlew!

Goathland puts a spring in the step..

A rest in the tea garden

We left the tea room and crossed the road at Goathland Station after which a short walk took us to the very pretty hamlets of Darnholm in the valley of  Eller Beck, where we passed the tiny pub called The Birch Hall Inn at Beck Hole.

Goathland Station

Descending to Darnholm

Stepping stones not really required today

Toy sheep and real sheep at Darnholm

The Birch Hall Inn at Beck Hole

Easier paths followed Beck Hole and we walked along the bed of a disused railway which Mark Reid explains is the site of Stephenson's original railway.

The final descent through woodland is tricky to follow and Egton Bridge and the Horseshoe Inn were a welcome sight. There was an outdoor bar in the pub garden where drinks could be purchased and we sat in the sun with a refreshing pint.

The beer is Red Dust Bitter from Consett Ale Works - very good!

To Day 4